KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (Interstat) — In a stunning reversal of the long-standing rivalry, the Vanderbilt Commodores delivered a commanding performance against the Tennessee Volunteers, securing a decisive 45 to 24 victory before a crowd of 101,915 at a stunned Neyland Stadium on Saturday, November 29, 2025.

The result defied nearly all pregame projections, as Vanderbilt, a slight underdog, dominated a Tennessee team that statistical models had given an overwhelming chance to win. The Commodores’ offense operated with relentless efficiency, while their defense repeatedly stifled the Volunteers’ attack in key moments.

Vanderbilt set the tone early, answering a Tennessee touchdown with one of their own to end the first quarter. After the Volunteers’ DeSean Bishop capped a methodical drive with a 2-yard plunge to tie the game at 7, the Commodores immediately responded. Quarterback Diego Pavia engineered a swift drive, culminating in a spectacular 28-yard touchdown run by Sedrick Alexander with 59 seconds left in the opening period to reclaim a lead Vanderbilt would not relinquish.

The Commodores expanded their advantage in the second quarter. Pavia, a dual-threat dynamo from Albuquerque, New Mexico, orchestrated a drive that ended with a 3-yard touchdown run by Makhilyn Young. Tennessee answered swiftly, as quarterback Joey Aguilar connected with Chris Brazzell II on a 52-yard deep strike to pull the Volunteers back within a score at 21 to 14.

The game’s momentum, however, was firmly seized by Vanderbilt just before halftime. After a Pavia interception gave Tennessee a chance to tie or take the lead, the Commodores’ defense forced a punt. Vanderbilt then embarked on a masterful two-minute drill. Pavia marched the offense down the field and, with 12 seconds remaining, found Tre Richardson on a 6-yard touchdown pass, sending the Commodores into the locker room with a 28 to 21 lead.

Any hope of a Tennessee comeback was systematically extinguished in the second half. Vanderbilt’s Brock Taylor connected on a 35-yard field goal in the third quarter to extend the lead to 10 points. The Volunteers managed a 25-yard field goal from Max Gilbert early in the fourth quarter to make it 31 to 24, but that was as close as they would get.

The Commodores put the game out of reach with two fourth-quarter touchdowns. First, Pavia showcased his elite athleticism with a 24-yard scoring scramble, weaving through the Tennessee defense to push the lead to 38 to 24. Alexander then delivered the final blow, breaking free for a 39-yard touchdown run, his third of the day, to cement the historic victory.

Pavia was the catalyst for the Vanderbilt offense, delivering a spectacular individual performance. He completed 18 of 28 passes for 268 yards and one touchdown through the air while adding a staggering 165 rushing yards and another score on 20 carries. His backfield partner, Sedrick Alexander, was equally dominant, rushing for 115 yards on just 10 carries, averaging an explosive 11.5 yards per attempt.

The Commodores’ receiving effort was led by Junior Sherrill, who had 76 yards on three receptions, and Eli Stowers, who contributed 64 yards on five catches.

For Tennessee, quarterback Joey Aguilar of Antioch, California, finished 29 of 44 for 299 yards and one touchdown, but the offense struggled to find a consistent rhythm against a stout Vanderbilt defense. DeSean Bishop was the workhorse for the Volunteers, carrying the ball 20 times for 97 yards and two touchdowns. Chris Brazzell II was Aguilar’s primary target, hauling in six passes for 91 yards and a touchdown.

Defensively, Vanderbilt was led by Randon Fontenette, who recorded eight tackles. The Commodores’ pass rush also made its presence felt, with Zaylin Wood and Nick Rinaldi each recording a sack.

Tennessee’s defense was led by a busy secondary, with Andre Turrentine making 10 tackles and Edrees Farooq adding nine, including an interception. Linebackers Arion Carter and Jeremiah Telander each recorded seven tackles.

The victory improves Vanderbilt’s season record to 10 wins and 2 losses, capping a remarkable regular season. The loss drops Tennessee to 8 wins and 4 losses. The Commodores’ 45 points marked the most they have scored against Tennessee in the rivalry’s history, signaling a potential shift in the balance of power within the state.